The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings against operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Rivers.
Consequently, the House mandated a joint Committee on Human Rights, Police Affairs and Justice to undertake the assignment.
This was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance by Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP) and nine other lawmakers from Rivers.
Moving the motion, Chinda expressed concern about the several complaints of extra-judicial killings and acts of torture on unarmed civilians by operatives of the FSARS.
He said that victims of the acts alleged that FSARS operatives often armed themselves with guns, machettes, axes and other dangerous weapons, and also planted illicit drugs and other incriminating items on unsuspecting victims.
According to Chinda, it was also alleged that the FSARS operatives also go about with POS machine with which they coerce unsuspecting victims to make money transfers in their favour.
He claimed that “recently, an incident went viral of an FSARS officer who was shot dead by men of the Inspector-General of Police team after an exchange of gun fire in Port Harcourt.
Chinda said one Ajibade Ademisoye, a taxi driver that lived on Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area was killed by FSARS operatives and was thereafter labeled a cultist.
He said that there were several other cases.
Chinda also drew the attention of the house to a recent judgment delivered by Justice Adolphus Enebeli of a Port Harcourt High Court, in which he awarded N50 million against five FSARS operatives.
He added that another five FSARS operatives were currently standing trial for the murder of Michael Akor and Micjael Igwe at Oyibo area of the state.
He recalled that on Dec. 10, 2016, State and National Assembly re-run elections held in Rivers and Mr Akin Fakorede, the commander of FSARS in the state was caught on camera harassing electoral officers.
The lawmaker added that the commander, together with some other FSARS operatives were seen on camera openly harassing and manhandling INEC officials at Rivers East Senatorial District collation centre, Moscow Road, on Dec. 12, 2017.
“Nothing was done in spite of several protests and demands for an investigation on the incident.”
Chinda further expressed worry that a security outfit as FSARS was being turned into a violent terror contraption, whose victims were usually left entirely at the mercy of their tormentors until they were able to bail themselves.
The motion was unanimously by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara. (NAN)